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Clinical utility of milnacipran in comparison with other
antidepressants
Bisserbe JC.
Clinical Research Department
IRPF Pierre Fabre Biomerieux
Boulogne, France
jean-claude.bisserbe@pierre-fabre.com
Int Clin Psychopharmacol. 2002 Jun;17 Suppl 1:S43-50.
Abstract
The utility of milnacipran in the
treatment of major depression has been the subject of an extensive
clinical development programme. Comparative studies with tricyclic
antidepressant drugs have demonstrated equivalent efficacy, with improved
tolerability, in particular with respect to autonomic effects. In
comparison with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs),
milnacipran shows similar good tolerability. It appears superior to such
drugs in the treatment of severe depression, but equivalent to them for
mild to moderate depression. In contrast to treatment with SSRIs,
treatment response to milnacipran appears to be associated with the degree
of psychomotor retardation. The good tolerability of milnacipran makes it
safe in overdose. This drug also has a beneficial effect on suicidal
ideation. Maintenance therapy with milnacipran has been demonstrated to
reduce the recurrence of depressive episodes.
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